US5735019A - Assist handle - Google Patents

Assist handle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5735019A
US5735019A US08/724,324 US72432496A US5735019A US 5735019 A US5735019 A US 5735019A US 72432496 A US72432496 A US 72432496A US 5735019 A US5735019 A US 5735019A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
sling
handle
assist handle
cut
outs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US08/724,324
Inventor
Cynthia Kerr
Harlah Glebe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US08/724,324 priority Critical patent/US5735019A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5735019A publication Critical patent/US5735019A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/26—Special adaptations of handles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • A45F5/10—Handles for carrying purposes
    • A45F5/102—Handles for carrying purposes with means, e.g. a hook, receiving a carrying element of the hand article to be carried
    • A45F5/1026—Handles for carrying purposes with means, e.g. a hook, receiving a carrying element of the hand article to be carried the carrying element being flexible, e.g. plastic bag handle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • A45F5/10—Handles for carrying purposes
    • A45F5/102—Handles for carrying purposes with means, e.g. a hook, receiving a carrying element of the hand article to be carried
    • A45F5/1026—Handles for carrying purposes with means, e.g. a hook, receiving a carrying element of the hand article to be carried the carrying element being flexible, e.g. plastic bag handle
    • A45F2005/1033—Handles for carrying purposes with means, e.g. a hook, receiving a carrying element of the hand article to be carried the carrying element being flexible, e.g. plastic bag handle and supported below the grip surface of the carrying handle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • A45F5/10—Handles for carrying purposes
    • A45F5/102—Handles for carrying purposes with means, e.g. a hook, receiving a carrying element of the hand article to be carried
    • A45F2005/1066—Details
    • A45F2005/1073—Retaining means for controlled release of the carrying element
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/15—Bag fasteners
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/15—Bag fasteners
    • Y10T24/153—Plastic band bag tie

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an assist handle of the multi-piece type which engages the existing handle of an object or objects to be carried.
  • assist handles to enable a person to supplement a handle on an object to be carried is known in the art.
  • a common type of known handle has a hollow wooden or paper tube, with a wire extending through the tube, with offset curled ends about which an object handle such as a string is intertwined.
  • These handles are restricted to use with a string handle from a single object, and are not useful with multiple objects.
  • the tube-type handles are restricted in the type and size of object handle that they can engage, are not ergonomic, and suffer from other disadvantages.
  • the assist handle of the invention is useful with single or multiple handles, is easy to use and has many other advantages.
  • an assist handle for use with one or more handles from objects is available, which can accommodate a variety of sizes and types of handles, which can be easily attached and detached, and which is ergonomic.
  • the principal object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that can be used with a variety of object handles.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that is ergonomic.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that can be fabricated from a variety of materials.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that is easily attached and detached.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that is simple and inexpensive to construct but sturdy and reliable in use.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the sling portion of the assist handle of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the sling portion of the invention in assembled condition
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of the grip portion of the handle of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assist handle of the invention being installed on an object handle
  • FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the assist handle in assembled condition on an object handle.
  • FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings an embodiment of the sling portion 10 of an assist handle 15 is therein illustrated in FIG. 1 in unassembled condition.
  • the sling 10 includes a bottom member 16 of rectangular hourglass shape, with cut-outs 17 and 18 which are of half circle configuration for insertion of the user's hand to be described.
  • the bottom member 16 can be of any suitable material such as leather, vinyl or cloth that is of sufficient strength and durability and is capable of being laminated.
  • the member 16 has a center panel 20 between the cut-outs 17 and 18, and end panels 21 and 22 on the outside of the cut-outs 17 and 18.
  • Stiffening inserts 24 are provided which are preferably of synthetic plastic such as ABS, and are intended to fit on top of the end panels 21 and 22.
  • the layer 25 is of the same configuration as member 16, and may incorporate a fiberglass screen reinforcement (not shown) or other stretchable material as desired.
  • a top member 30 is provided above layer 25 of the same material and configuration as described for member 16, with cut-outs 31 and 32 at the same locations and of the same configuration as cut-outs 17 and 18.
  • the grip portion 40 of assist handle 15 is illustrated, which is of cylindrical configuration with an open slot 41 extending lengthwise.
  • the grip 40 is preferably of injection molded plastic, with an insert 42 molded therein, for comfort and enhanced gripping performance.
  • the sling 10 is shown in its assembled condition.
  • the sling 10 was assembled from the components shown in FIG. 1 in a die (not shown) where the materials were pressed together around the periphery for sealing with the adhesive layer 25 dielectrically activated to bond the sling around the edge.
  • the edge of sling 10 is sealed along its perimeter forming an edge of reduced thickness 46 with a cut-out 47 shown in the upper corner of FIG. 2.
  • the sling 10 is assembled as described above and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, has one end panel 21 inserted into the slot 41 of grip 40, and the end panel 22 inserted under two string handles 48 from a bag 49, by the hand 50 of a user (not shown).
  • the end panel 22 is brought up and forced down into slot 41 alongside Panel 21.
  • the assist handle 15 is ready for use and can then be used to transport objects as desired with single or multiple handles of varying types and thickness engaged by the sling 10.
  • grip 40 If it is desired to remove grip 40 from sling 10, the thumb 51 of the user as shown in FIG. 6 is pressed down on the grip 40 with the cut-out 47 providing the necessary clearance for removal of grip 40.

Abstract

An assist handle for attachment to the handle or handles of single or multiple objects, which includes a rectangular sling with cut-outs for the user's hands, which sling is folded about the object handle and the ends retained in a slot in a removable grip, which is engaged by the user's hand for carrying.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an assist handle of the multi-piece type which engages the existing handle of an object or objects to be carried.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of assist handles to enable a person to supplement a handle on an object to be carried is known in the art. A common type of known handle has a hollow wooden or paper tube, with a wire extending through the tube, with offset curled ends about which an object handle such as a string is intertwined. These handles are restricted to use with a string handle from a single object, and are not useful with multiple objects. The tube-type handles are restricted in the type and size of object handle that they can engage, are not ergonomic, and suffer from other disadvantages.
Many supermarkets provide baskets for shoppers' convenience which have stiff folding wire handles, for which none of the prior art handles is satisfactory.
The assist handle of the invention is useful with single or multiple handles, is easy to use and has many other advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has now been found that an assist handle for use with one or more handles from objects is available, which can accommodate a variety of sizes and types of handles, which can be easily attached and detached, and which is ergonomic.
The principal object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that can be used with a variety of object handles.
A further object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that is ergonomic.
A further object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that can be fabricated from a variety of materials.
A further object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that is easily attached and detached.
A further object of the invention is to provide an assist handle that is simple and inexpensive to construct but sturdy and reliable in use.
Other objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the description and claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be more readily apparent from the attached description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the sling portion of the assist handle of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the sling portion of the invention in assembled condition;
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of the grip portion of the handle of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assist handle of the invention being installed on an object handle; and
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the assist handle in assembled condition on an object handle.
It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
When referring to the preferred embodiment, certain terminology will be utilized for the sake of clarity. Use of such terminology is intended to encompass not only the described embodiment, but also technical equivalents which operate and function in substantially the same way to bring abut the same result.
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings, an embodiment of the sling portion 10 of an assist handle 15 is therein illustrated in FIG. 1 in unassembled condition. The sling 10 includes a bottom member 16 of rectangular hourglass shape, with cut- outs 17 and 18 which are of half circle configuration for insertion of the user's hand to be described. The bottom member 16 can be of any suitable material such as leather, vinyl or cloth that is of sufficient strength and durability and is capable of being laminated.
The member 16 has a center panel 20 between the cut- outs 17 and 18, and end panels 21 and 22 on the outside of the cut- outs 17 and 18.
Stiffening inserts 24 are provided which are preferably of synthetic plastic such as ABS, and are intended to fit on top of the end panels 21 and 22.
A layer 25 of bondable material of well known type, and preferably a resin impregnated foam, is provided above inserts 24, which is dielectrically activated, but which can be of other adhesive material as desired.
The layer 25 is of the same configuration as member 16, and may incorporate a fiberglass screen reinforcement (not shown) or other stretchable material as desired.
A top member 30 is provided above layer 25 of the same material and configuration as described for member 16, with cut- outs 31 and 32 at the same locations and of the same configuration as cut- outs 17 and 18.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the grip portion 40 of assist handle 15 is illustrated, which is of cylindrical configuration with an open slot 41 extending lengthwise. The grip 40 is preferably of injection molded plastic, with an insert 42 molded therein, for comfort and enhanced gripping performance.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the sling 10 is shown in its assembled condition. The sling 10 was assembled from the components shown in FIG. 1 in a die (not shown) where the materials were pressed together around the periphery for sealing with the adhesive layer 25 dielectrically activated to bond the sling around the edge. The edge of sling 10 is sealed along its perimeter forming an edge of reduced thickness 46 with a cut-out 47 shown in the upper corner of FIG. 2.
The mode of operation will now be described.
The sling 10 is assembled as described above and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, has one end panel 21 inserted into the slot 41 of grip 40, and the end panel 22 inserted under two string handles 48 from a bag 49, by the hand 50 of a user (not shown). The end panel 22 is brought up and forced down into slot 41 alongside Panel 21. The assist handle 15 is ready for use and can then be used to transport objects as desired with single or multiple handles of varying types and thickness engaged by the sling 10.
If it is desired to remove grip 40 from sling 10, the thumb 51 of the user as shown in FIG. 6 is pressed down on the grip 40 with the cut-out 47 providing the necessary clearance for removal of grip 40.
It will thus be seen that an assist handle has been described with which the objects of the invention have been achieved.

Claims (5)

We claim:
1. An assist handle for attachment to at least one handle of an object to be carried by the hand of a user which comprises:
a sling of rectangular configuration to extend around and engage said object handle;
a grip having a slot therein to receive the ends of said sling;
cut-outs in said sling, to enable the hand of the user to extend therethrough and to engage said grip for carrying;
said sling is of multi-piece laminated construction and includes
a bottom member;
cut-outs in said bottom member of half circle configuration;
end panels on said sling above said cut-outs;
at least two reinforcing inserts on said bottom member on top of said end panels;
a layer of dielectrically activated adhesive material on top of said bottom member and said inserts;
a top member on said adhesive layer;
cut-outs in said top member of half circle configuration, and
a perimeter edge around said sling of reduced thickness for removal of said sling ends from said grip.
2. An assist handle as defined in claim 1 in which
said grip is of injection molded plastic.
3. An assist handle as defined in claim 1 in which
said sling top and bottom members are of vinyl.
4. An assist handle as defined in claim 1 in which
said sling top and bottom members are of cloth.
5. An assist handle as defined in claim 1 in which
said sling top and bottom members are of vinyl.
US08/724,324 1996-10-01 1996-10-01 Assist handle Expired - Fee Related US5735019A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/724,324 US5735019A (en) 1996-10-01 1996-10-01 Assist handle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/724,324 US5735019A (en) 1996-10-01 1996-10-01 Assist handle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5735019A true US5735019A (en) 1998-04-07

Family

ID=24909969

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/724,324 Expired - Fee Related US5735019A (en) 1996-10-01 1996-10-01 Assist handle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US5735019A (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5881432A (en) * 1997-05-08 1999-03-16 Good; James Richard Handle for shopping bags
US20040074449A1 (en) * 2001-05-31 2004-04-22 Wendy Axel Handle with grip for comfortably holding articles by hand
US20050146149A1 (en) * 2003-10-24 2005-07-07 Jacobv Agayof Adjustable plastic carry strap having laterally projecting foldable handles
US20090183347A1 (en) * 2008-01-18 2009-07-23 Abels David L Carabiner
US8851234B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2014-10-07 Handsaver Handles, LLC Ladder carrying apparatus and method of modifying a ladder
US20150306446A1 (en) * 2014-04-29 2015-10-29 Craig Allan SPAINHOWER Flexible handle for a dumbbell weight
US20190249708A1 (en) * 2018-02-13 2019-08-15 Town & Country Linen Corp. Glide hook for use with a support rod and being configured for supporting an article
USD892501S1 (en) * 2018-04-06 2020-08-11 Bobby Whitaker Carrier

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1359461A (en) * 1919-06-19 1920-11-16 Luce Trunk Company Carrier and handle therefor
US2274605A (en) * 1941-01-30 1942-02-24 Hoffmeister Roy Gripping pad for handles
US2444558A (en) * 1945-12-07 1948-07-06 Artemus E Elliott Service handle
US2617143A (en) * 1950-09-11 1952-11-11 Moakler Co Inc Enterprise Handle for box springs or the like
US3800361A (en) * 1972-08-14 1974-04-02 R Stauffer Hand saver
US4004722A (en) * 1975-08-20 1977-01-25 Lawrence Peska Associates, Inc. Handle device
US4514876A (en) * 1980-02-12 1985-05-07 Houlberg Jorn P Injection moulded bag closure
US5150938A (en) * 1991-05-09 1992-09-29 Gans David L Bag grip
US5364148A (en) * 1993-01-19 1994-11-15 Anna Bartocci Carrying handle
US5439265A (en) * 1993-12-14 1995-08-08 Plante; Richard R. Sling for positioning a large-diameter, liquid-containing hose

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1359461A (en) * 1919-06-19 1920-11-16 Luce Trunk Company Carrier and handle therefor
US2274605A (en) * 1941-01-30 1942-02-24 Hoffmeister Roy Gripping pad for handles
US2444558A (en) * 1945-12-07 1948-07-06 Artemus E Elliott Service handle
US2617143A (en) * 1950-09-11 1952-11-11 Moakler Co Inc Enterprise Handle for box springs or the like
US3800361A (en) * 1972-08-14 1974-04-02 R Stauffer Hand saver
US4004722A (en) * 1975-08-20 1977-01-25 Lawrence Peska Associates, Inc. Handle device
US4514876A (en) * 1980-02-12 1985-05-07 Houlberg Jorn P Injection moulded bag closure
US5150938A (en) * 1991-05-09 1992-09-29 Gans David L Bag grip
US5364148A (en) * 1993-01-19 1994-11-15 Anna Bartocci Carrying handle
US5439265A (en) * 1993-12-14 1995-08-08 Plante; Richard R. Sling for positioning a large-diameter, liquid-containing hose

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5881432A (en) * 1997-05-08 1999-03-16 Good; James Richard Handle for shopping bags
US20040074449A1 (en) * 2001-05-31 2004-04-22 Wendy Axel Handle with grip for comfortably holding articles by hand
US20060168781A1 (en) * 2001-05-31 2006-08-03 Wendy Axel Handle with grip for comfortably holding articles by hand
US20050146149A1 (en) * 2003-10-24 2005-07-07 Jacobv Agayof Adjustable plastic carry strap having laterally projecting foldable handles
US6976719B2 (en) 2003-10-24 2005-12-20 Tama Plastic Industry Adjustable plastic carry strap having laterally projecting foldable handles
EP1680333A4 (en) * 2003-10-24 2006-07-19 Tama Plastic Ind Adjustable plastic carry strap having laterally projecting foldable handles
EP1680333A1 (en) * 2003-10-24 2006-07-19 Tama Plastic Industry Adjustable plastic carry strap having laterally projecting foldable handles
US20090183347A1 (en) * 2008-01-18 2009-07-23 Abels David L Carabiner
US8851234B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2014-10-07 Handsaver Handles, LLC Ladder carrying apparatus and method of modifying a ladder
US20150306446A1 (en) * 2014-04-29 2015-10-29 Craig Allan SPAINHOWER Flexible handle for a dumbbell weight
US20190249708A1 (en) * 2018-02-13 2019-08-15 Town & Country Linen Corp. Glide hook for use with a support rod and being configured for supporting an article
USD892501S1 (en) * 2018-04-06 2020-08-11 Bobby Whitaker Carrier

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5364148A (en) Carrying handle
US5579915A (en) Container for plastic bags
US7172092B2 (en) Upright container for storing and dispensing bags
US5735019A (en) Assist handle
US20080199107A1 (en) Reusable general purpose bag
US6186295B1 (en) Wheeled luggage with hidden handle assembly
CA2042339A1 (en) Tote bag with straps
US4775188A (en) Folding combination chair seat and carrying case
US2769474A (en) Handle assembly for portable bags
US4685546A (en) Auxiliary carrying case for luggage
US4316629A (en) Handled tote apparatus
US3519110A (en) Bag handle
USD438797S1 (en) Handle
US20030041411A1 (en) Handle having a comfortable grasping structure
USD408259S (en) Collapsible handle
USD364806S (en) Auxiliary hand grip
US20030136787A1 (en) Self-standing disposable bag
JP2741503B2 (en) Cup
EP1661816A1 (en) A storage hamper
KR200366819Y1 (en) Paper bag
KR102298637B1 (en) Folding eating utensils
USD337053S (en) Shopping bag handle grip
JPH0637944Y2 (en) Paper bag
KR101860225B1 (en) Shopping bag
GB2339383A (en) Bag carrying handle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20020407